effects of vitamin D supplementation on maternal and neonatal outcome: a randomized clinical trial

Background: Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy has been supposed to defend against adverse gestational outcomes

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Objective: This randomized clinical trial study was conducted to assess the effects of 50,000 IU of vitamin D every two weeks supplementation on the incidence of gestational diabetes [GDM], gestational hypertension, preeclampsia and preterm labor, vitamin D status at term and neonatal outcomes contrasted with pregnant women that received 400 IU vitamin D daily

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Materials and Methods: 500 women with gestational age 12-16 weeks and serum 25 hydroxy vitamin D [25 [OH] D] less than 30 ng/ml randomly categorized in two groups. Group A received 400 IU vitamin D daily and group B 50,000 IU vitamin D every 2 weeks orally until delivery. Maternal and Neonatal outcomes were assessed in two groups

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Results: The incidence of GDM in group B was significantly lower than group A [6.7% versus 13.4%] and odds ratio [95% Confidence interval] was 0.46 [0.24-0.87] [P=0.01]. The mean +/- SD level of 25 [OH] D at the time of delivery in mothers in group B was significantly higher than A [37.9 +/- 19.8 versus 27.2 +/- 18.8 ng/ml, respectively] [P=0.001]. There were no differences in the incidence of preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, preterm labor, and low birth weight between two groups. The mean level of 25 [OH] D in cord blood of group B was significantly higher than group A [37.9 +/- 18 versus 29.7 +/- 19ng/ml, respectively]. Anthropometric measures between neonates were not significantly different

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Conclusion: Our study showed 50,000 IU vitamin D every 2 weeks decreased the incidence of GDM